The fashion world is a lot more complex than what many realize. It's not all about the gloss and glamour you see in magazines, on TV, and in pop culture. There's also art, science, math, and history in the industry. Unbelievable as it may sound, fashion requires a lot of skill, study, and research, and the best place to start is
École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD). One of the best fashion schools in Paris this prestigious institution is more than a standard training ground for the next fashion professionals. The school also serves as a research facility for the industry. Here's more about it.
Source: École des Arts Décoratifs - Paris Facebook Page
History of ENSAD
École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD) is perhaps the oldest fashion school in
Paris. Under the authority of the French Ministry of Culture, the school was founded back in 1766, two decades before the French Revolution. Its longevity alone is a testament to its impressive legacy, making it one of the most prestigious art schools on the planet. Though it has stood the test of time, ENSAD became a constituent school of Paris Sciences et Lettres University. It remains independent from the institution's other colleges and has retained its cultural significance in France and beyond.
What Does ENSAD Look Like?
Despite its centuries-long history, the ENSAD campus on Rue d'Ulm in the
5th arrondissement boasts a modern exterior. Thanks to years of renovation, the school managed to spread out its campus in both old-world Renaissance buildings and brand-new facilities. Some parts, like the library and other common areas, remain in the classic parts of the campus. While the studios, ateliers, and other research facilities are housed in the newer structures. Overall, it's a fairly big campus where students of various art disciplines have ample space for their training and to express their creativity.
Source: École des Arts Décoratifs - Paris Facebook Page
The ENSAD Student Body
Even with its fairly expansive campus, ENSAD maintains a limited student body. The school mostly accepts only around 720 enrollees per year, including returning students. While other
prominent colleges and universities in Paris welcome thousands, per year, this prestigious art school maintains its exclusivity with even less than that. But that doesn't mean the school isn't open to everyone. Even with only 720 students per year, 15% of them are international students, accounting for around 108 of the entire ENSAD student body. This only goes to show that no matter where you're coming from, you can still enroll here!
ENSAD's Best Programs and Courses
ENSAD's Fashion and Materials Program is the art school's main course for students who want to get into the fashion industry. It goes beyond design, including courses that relate to fashion sciences, technology, business, communication, and even engineering. Nevertheless, its most popular course remains Clothing and Accessory Design, an extensive training program that encompasses everything in fashion design. From sketching and pattern-making to clothing construction and a bit of marketing, it's the best place to start for anyone who wants to start their own fashion line.
Source: École des Arts Décoratifs - Paris Facebook Page
How Much Does It Cost to Study in ENSAD?
ENSAD only imposes two tuition fees. For students coming from countries outside of the EU, the tuition fee is €15,450.00 per year. For those coming from EU member-states, on the other hand, the tuition fee depends on the overall gross income of the previous year. Additionally, enrollees have to pay an enrollment fee (€438.00), establish a social security contribution (€217.00), and new students are required to have a medical checkup (€5.10). Fortunately, scholarship students are exempted from paying the enrollment fee and social security contribution.
Where is ENSAD in Paris?
The ENSAD campus is located on Rue d'Ulm in the
Latin Quarter of Paris. Known as the “University Area” of the city, the school is one of the more youth-centric and student-dominant
neighborhoods in Paris. It's a great district where intellect and creativity reign supreme, making for a perfect environment for fashion design students. At the same time, the campus is only a hop and skip away from the iconic Pantheon, the area's most famous landmark. Surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and more, it's easy to study and relax here. Considering its younger population, this is also one of the best areas to
rent a luxury apartment in Paris.
ENSAD's Prerequisites
Since it's a higher education institution, ENSAD's Master Fashion and Material Program has two prerequisites for its enrollees. The first is Master 1, which requires a Bachelor's Degree (or anything equivalent) in Clothing and Textile Design. The second is Master 2, which requires both a Master 1 (Bachelor's Degree) and further training in design, management/organizational sciences, sciences, and engineering. As for international students, you are required to have a good command of the English language, specifically a minimum of a B2 level fluency. Non-French-speaking students are also required of proof of a minimum A2 level fluency in the language.
Source: École des Arts Décoratifs - Paris Facebook Page
École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD) is one of the best fashion schools in Paris for those who want to be a bonafide industry professional. From design to business, the institution offers extensive knowledge and training in the field.
